ROCKY RIVER --
The wrestling team ended up with a state qualifier for the 6th straight year. Senior Captain Parker Watson (138) will make his second straight appearance at the OHSAA Division III State Tournament. Watson won his semi-final match 8-3 to move on to the District Tournament Championship match. The championship match was a rematch of last years' final with Niko Chilson of Rootstown. This year it took an overtime period to decide the winner. Both Watson and Chilson scored escape points in regulation. Chilson was able to secure the winning takedown around 30 seconds into the overtime period for a 3-1 win.
Watson will face Jordan Keegan of Milan Edison in his opening bout on Thursday at the State Tournament. Keegan placed 6th (138 lbs) last year at state, while Watson placed 4th at 132lbs. The match will take place at 3:00 pm on Thursday March 7th.
The Longhorns had three other wrestlers reach day two of the district tournament, however all three fell short of placement. Senior Captain Robert Pinkie (132) was pinned in his second round consolation match. Junior Khalid Morales (145) lost a heartbreaking 8-5 decision after leading 5-3 with 30 seconds left. Sophomore Donovan Palmer (152) secured a pin in 38 seconds in his second round consolation match but ended up losing 4-1 in the consolation quarterfinals to end up one match from placing. Palmer's pin set the school record in a season at 34.